Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
December 10
Dozens of festively decorated boats of all sizes light up the lake, with street market vendors, a fireworks finale and visits with Santa adding to the fun. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with the parade at 7 p.m. Tempe Town Lake, 620 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, downtowntempe.com
Tempe Festival of the Arts
DECEMBER 1-3
Fine artists and craftsmen from across the country showcase original artworks at this street festival. Food trucks, wine and beer gardens, children’s activities and live entertainment are included. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mill Avenue District, Tempe, tempefestivalofthearts.com
APS Electric Light Parade
DECEMBER 2
Look forward to neon decorations and twinkling holiday lights at this parade, which has lit up the night in Phoenix for 30 years. The parade starts on Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue and ends on Seventh Street and Indian School Road. 7-11 p.m. phoenix.gov/parks/elp
Stroll in the Glow
DECEMBER 2
Free photo ops with Santa in a bright red firetruck, live holiday music and more than 60,000 twinkling lights and ornaments highlight Stroll in the Glow in Fountain Hills. The annual tradition kicks off with the “Lighting of the Avenue,” including the official Town of Fountain Hills Christmas Tree. A lighted bike parade, Roll in the Glow, and the third annual Holiday Bake Off add to the festivities. 5-8 p.m. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, 480-837-1654, fountainhillschamber.com
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting
DECEMBER 2
Continuing a tradition that began in 1957, the city of Chandler celebrates its uniqueness with a Christmas tree made from hundreds of tumbleweeds. The thistly tree is on display throughout the month, with opening-day events that include a Parade of Lights, tree-lighting ceremony and live entertainment. 7:30-9 p.m. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-782-2669, chandleraz.gov
S’edav Va’aki Museum Indian and Young Artist Market
DECEMBER 9-10
More than 100 booths of authentic American Indian fine art and collectibles are showcased, with native music, dance and hands-on activities adding to the festivities at this 46th annual event. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. S’edav Va’aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-495-0901, pueblogrande.org
Las Noches de las Luminarias
DECEMBER (TBD)
Thousands of traditional luminarias line garden trails, buildings and courtyards, casting an elegant glow on the garden’s world-renowned plant collection in this Valley holiday institution. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 480-481-1225, dbg.org
Fiesta Bowl Parade
DECEMBER 16
An array of colorful floats, high-flying helium balloons, marching bands and equestrian units perform along the 2-mile parade route in Uptown Phoenix. This year’s event celebrates the 51-year history of the Fiesta Bowl organization with the theme “Spirit of Competition.” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 480-350-0900, fiestabowl.org
Decadence Arizona
DECEMBER 30-31
Billed as Arizona’s largest New Year’s Eve party, this two-day baccanal at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale invites revelers to bounce the night away to EDM talent including Steve Aoki and Illesium. 6 p.m.-3 a.m. nightly. decadencearizona.com
